The Volunteers might have disappointed with an 8-4 2016 campaign, but that was apparently not enough to sway Smith from making a commitment to Tennessee. This is a monster pledge. The 6-foot-6, 299-pounder ranks as ESPN 300's No. 1 overall prospect for the 2017 cycle. Ole Miss, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Ohio State were also in the running for his commitment. Scout.com notes that Smith "has a great frame with good feet, flexibility, and the ability to be one who protects the quarterback and opens holes for running backs." The outlet calls him a "finisher."

Tennessee senior QB Joshua Dobbs has accepted an invitation to play in the NFLPA all star game.

Dobbs was always a name that popped up in terms of quarterbacks at big programs with potential, but he has improved very little despite a wealth of playing time. Tennessee failed to reach expectations on the field, and Dobbs will do his best during the draft process to earn a draftable grade.

Former Tennessee junior RB Jalen Hurd has now turned his attention to the NFL rather than transferring to another program, according to Tennessee radio host Brent Dougherty.

If true, the change in plans is not surprising. Hurd left Tennessee after stating the offense did not fit him, and reports stated he might pursue tight end or receiver at his next school. Hurd's trainer hinted the ball carrier could jump to the NFL, which makes sense than switching positions. Hurd flashed promise at times, but he's a slower bigger back who does not create on his own often enough. He is a very comfortable receiver.

Tennessee senior QB Josh Dobbs completed 15-of-22 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 190 yards and two additional scores in Saturday's 63-37 win over Missouri.

This game was far, far closer than the final score would indicate. After Mizzou connected on a field goal in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, they drew to within 35-30. Dobbs would answer that in short order via a 70-yard touchdown run on Tennessee's next offensive possession. The Vols would eventually outscore the Tigers 28-10 in that fourth quarter, leading to the lopsided final margin. Dobbs has now rushed for 237 yards over his last two games and has thrown for exactly three touchdowns in each of his last three.

First year RB Jeremy Lewis is no longer practicing with Tennessee and intends to transfer.

Lewis only saw limited duty even when Jalen Hurd left the program. The Vols have seen a number of in-season departures and transfers, something that is less common at other programs. The team will look very different in 2017, with many players graduating or moving on to the NFL.

Former Tennessee junior RB Jalen Hurd could still be considering a move to the NFL for the 2017 season rather than transfer to another school.

Hurd's trainer, Robert Paulele, left the door open. Paulele says he's heard from around 10 NFL General Managers who are interested in Hurd's next move. "I told him this early on, if he gets drafted this year they may move him to an H-back role," Paulele said. It was previously reported that Hurd might try to transition to receiver or tight end.

Tennessee senior QB Josh Dobbs completed 11 of 17 attempts for 223 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the school's 49-36 win over Kentucky.

The Passing stats look nice, but 51 yards and a score came from a trick play flea flicker. Dobbs still looked great as a runner, totaling 147 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee's final two regular season games should end in victories.

Tennessee redshirt junior RB Alvin Kamara rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries in the school's 49-36 win over Kentucky.

Kamara's 29-yard touchdown run was extremely impressive. Obviously it was off tackle, and Kamara allowed his blocks to take shape before cutting off of them and creating yards by breaking tackles before crossing the goal line. His other touchdown displayed Kamara's ability to put his foot in the dirt and get upfield. He can pick up difficult yards as well.

Tennessee senior CB Cam Sutton is warming up ahead of Saturday's game against Kentucky.

Sutton fractured his ankle in September, so it is great to see him back on the field. The Vols have to be thrilled, as they dealt with a ton of injuries at corner, and Sutton is their best player at the position. Sutton will likely be healthy for the draft process.

Tennessee redshirt junior RB Alvin Kamara warmed up in full ahead of Saturday's game against Kentucky and was announced as a starter.

Kamara missed the last two games, and in that time Tennessee's other running back Jalen Hurd elected to transfer. Kamara has looked like the school's top running back all season long, creating difficult yards and using outstanding explosiveness to make plays. He is expected to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.

A little over a week ago, the Volunteers had both Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara in their stable of running backs. Then Hurd opted to transfer and now Hurd is reportedly going to declare for the draft come the close of the season. Tough double-blow. As for the 5-foot-10, 215-pound Kamara's stock, an AFC college scouting director said in mid-October that he "runs hard and physical, good speed, finishes off runs, good returner and an accomplished receiver."

Sutton practiced in a green, non-contact jersey. He has not played since fracturing his right ankle against Ohio on September 17. HC Butch Jones has indicated that he could potentially see the field for Saturday's date with Kentucky. There remains the possibility that the Volunteers opt to sit him once more this weekend, allowing the 6-foot-1, 189-pound senior another week to heal up more fully.

Kamara wore a green, non-contact jersey during Tuesday's practice. He has been nursing a knee injury initially sustained on a punt return against Alabama in mid-October. Initially, there was a concern that the 5-foot-10, 215-pounder might need to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to repair the injury, but that was ruled out after medical examination. His playing status for Saturday's game against Kentucky should receive clarification as the week progresses, but for now, a good sign that he is back on the practice field.

Tennessee junior CB Evan Berry will miss the remainder of the 2016 season due to a knee injury.

Berry injured his knee in Saturday's blowout win over Tennessee Tech. Beyond that, though, the extent and severity of the season-ending setback is unknown. "He's going to be missed, not only for the return aspect. He's been playing very well on the back end of our defense," said HC Butch Jones. In seven games, the 5-foot-11, 194-pound Berry had taken 13 kickoffs and spun them into 417 yards (32.9 yards per return on average) and a touchdown. He logged three return touchdowns a year ago.